ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced he has appointed Brigadier General Johanna Clyborne – Director of the Joint Staff for the Minnesota National Guard, and founding partner of the law firm Brekke, Clyborne & Ribich L.L.C. – to serve as Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and Chief Information Officer (CIO). General Clyborne will succeed Commissioner Tom Baden, who recently announced his retirement from state government. Clyborne brings extensive experience in operations, leadership, and cybersecurity to MNIT. As Commissioner, Clyborne will lead MNIT in its critical mission to deliver high-quality customer service, keep Minnesotans safe and secure online, and effectively manage the technology services of state government. Minnesota IT Services forms the backbone of good government service across state agencies, from reserving a campground to enrolling in healthcare. General Clyborne’s appointment is effective February 2, 2018.  

 

“General Johanna Clyborne is an exceptional leader. She has been an outstanding Assistant Adjutant General and Director of the Joint Staff for the Minnesota National Guard,” said Governor Dayton. “General Clyborne’s extensive experience in organizational management, operations, and cybersecurity have prepared her well for the unique challenges of this critically important position. I am grateful to her for accepting this challenge, and I know that Minnesotans will be very well-served by her strong leadership as MNIT Services Commissioner.”

 

“Cybersecurity threats on public websites and technology systems have increased significantly over the past several years,” said General Clyborne. “MNIT Services plays a vital role in keeping Minnesotans safe and secure online, and we will continue doing all we can to deliver on that important responsibility with the resources and expertise we have at the Department.”

 

In addition to enhancing the State of Minnesota’s cybersecurity efforts, General Clyborne made clear today her strong commitment to fixing ongoing technical challenges with the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS) – an online system that provides vehicle titles and registrations – and overseeing the successful delivery of REAL ID driver’s licenses for Minnesotans.

 

Clyborne noted that the MNLARS improvement and development project will be a top priority for the agency in the weeks and months ahead. As Commissioner, Clyborne will be stridently committed to ensuring the system works well for all Minnesota residents and businesses.

 

“Minnesota IT Services directly impacts the quality of life for Minnesota residents and businesses through countless online services, which is why it is so vitally important that we deliver the highest possible standards of quality and reliability,” said General Clyborne. “Right now, there is no service that more urgently requires our time, attention, and expertise than MNLARS. Important improvements have already been made to the system in recent months, and that progress must continue. We will not rest until we get this project done right, and continue to provide excellent service to the people of Minnesota.”

General Johanna Clyborne serves as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Minnesota National Guard where she provides guidance, leadership, and oversight to the Joint Staff. She advises the Office of the Adjutant General on joint matters for 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen pertaining to the provision of ready units and the supporting actions of providing a competent ready force, optimal force structure, and cyber response. She is also responsible for emergency response operations, government relations, strategic planning, facilities management, and international affairs. Under her leadership, the Minnesota National Guard has made cybersecurity one of their top priorities. A combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she received the Bronze Star, Clyborne holds the distinction of being the first female to command a brigade and to obtain the rank of Brigadier General in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

 

In addition to her military service, Clyborne is a founding partner of the Shakopee-based law firm Brekke, Clyborne, and Ribich, L.L.C., where she focuses on family law, military pension and federal benefits, and legal issues particular to the United States Armed Forces. Clyborne chairs the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Veterans and Military Affairs Council, sits on board of directors for the Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross, and participates in the Legal Assistance to Military Personnel through the Minnesota State Bar and Volunteer Lawyers Network. She is named as a Minnesota Super Lawyer and one of Minnesota’s Top Women Lawyers by Minnesota Law and Politics.

 

Being an active and contributing member in the community is important to Clyborne. She is a recognized North Star lawyer for providing free legal assistance to underserved populations, has been a Girl Scout troop leader since 2005, is a member of Minnesota Women Lawyers, serves as a mentor for the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and is a veteran’s court mentor for the Carver County Court. 

 

Clyborne is a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, the University of St. Thomas School of Law (J.D.), and completed a fellowship at Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (International Securities Studies). General Clyborne lives in Minnetonka with her husband, Duncan, and their daughter, Keira.

 

A photo of General Clyborne can be found here.

 

Minnesota IT Services, led by Minnesota’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology (IT) agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing a full range of IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT also partners with other local governments and education institutions. More information about MNIT Services is available online.